(NaturalNews) Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) is a health condition affecting the blood circulation surrounding the spine and brain. It is caused by a blockage in the primary internal jugular or other major veins and is believed to play a role in the cause of Multiple Sclerosis. The term CCSVI was coined by Italian researcher, Paolo Zamboni in 2008 in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. Zamboni was the first to discover and write about the causative relationship between CCSVI and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Because serum calcium is altered in MS patients, studies found that supplementation with calcium and especially vitamin D3, or 25-hydroxyvitamin D, may play a role in protecting blood vessels and reducing the risk of Multiple Sclerosis. With mile-high costs of Multiple Sclerosis drugs preventing many MS patients from getting treatment, this discovery offers tremendous hope for patients.

CCSVI

CCSVI occurs when the flow of deoxyginated blood in the veins returns to the heart at an altered rate due to a blockage of unknown origin. CCSVI resembles chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), where venous blood flow from the extremities is compromised as a result of a blockage in the veins of the legs. Multiple Sclerosis patients often experience this condition which is identified by abnormal blood flow and strictures in the veins around the spine and brain. The connection between CCSVI and Multiple Sclerosis was not previously observed or considered before being identified by Zamboni.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is an inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system. The body's nerves become demyelinated, or depleted of their outer layer of myelin, which coats and protects the nerves with an insulating layer of fatty material. Myelin assists the nerves in conducting impulses between the spinal cord, brain and the other parts of the body. The loss or destruction of myelin triggers symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. Researchers have not identified the cause of this phenomenon; however, for Multiple Sclerosis patients exhibiting CCSVI, location of the venous obstructions point to where the MS manifests and gives clues to in what direction it may progress.

Iron and calcium

The Journal of Neurological Sciences reported that among other environmental factors, iron deposits are found in the brains and veins of some MS patients who also happen to suffer from CCSVI. Further trials are necessary to gain conclusive evidence linking iron deposition to CSSVI.

Because calcium -- from food sources or supplementation -- binds with iron and interferes with the body's ability to absorb it, CCSVI patients may find it beneficial to increase their calcium supplementation in an effort to clear iron deposits from blood vessels. Consult a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner rather than self-treating with this condition.

Calcium, vitamin D and MS

The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry with Practical Neurology explains that supplementation with vitamin D3 and exposure to the sun may reduce the risk of developing Multiple Sclerosis. Vitamin D3 and calcium metabolism are intricately related throughout normal bodily functions. If an individual experiences a vitamin D3 deficiency, their body will be unable to properly metabolize calcium. The journal posits that MS patients may have lower serum calcium levels in the blood along with vitamin D3 deficiencies. The roles of calcium serum and vitamin D3 and their relationship to each other and to Multiple Sclerosis needs additional research to further determine their interaction; however, it does appear that adding vitamin D3 and calcium supplementation will be helpful in slowing the degenerative process of MS.

JB Bardot is an herbalist and a classical homeopath, and has a post graduate degree in holistic nutrition. Bardot cares for both people and animals, using alternative approaches to health care and lifestyle. She writes about wellness, green living, alternative medicine, holistic nutrition, homeopathy, herbs and naturopathic medicine. You can find her at The JB Bardot Archives at www.jbbardot.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jbbardot23 or on Twitter at jbbardot23 or https://twitter.com/jbbardot23